France: Republican leader calls for state of emergency

Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans and former French Interior Minister, has called on President Emmanuel Macron to declare a state of emergency ‘without delay’. Retailleau argues that widespread violence, attacks on public buildings, and looting constitute a direct challenge to state authority across the country.

Citing attacks on prefectures, the looting of town halls, vandalism of shops, and injuries to police and gendarmes, Retailleau stated that the unrest since Saturday is no longer a mere outburst but a challenge to state power. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is legitimate, looting, arson, and attacks on security forces are unjustifiable.

He urged the government to convene the Council of Ministers to implement emergency measures similar to those used in 2005. Proposed powers under a state of emergency would include imposing curfews, banning gatherings, closing locations used as hubs for unrest, placing individuals deemed threats to public order under house arrest, and conducting day and night searches for weapons and explosives.